U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) recently updated a less burdensome way for lawful permanent residents (LPRs), or commonly known as green card holders, to receive temporary evidence of their lawful permanent resident status. USCIS is now enabling LPRs to receive temporary evidence of their green card status by mail instead of appearing in person at their local field office. Previously, LPRs were required to call the USCIS customer service number and schedule a physical in-person appointment for Alien Documentation, Identification and Telecommunication (ADIT) stamp (most known as an I-551 stamp). Now, USCIS has simplified the process by taking away the delays in booking and appearing for an in-person appointment at the local field office.

As an LPR, you may require the ADIT stamps as evidence of your green card status in the following scenarios:

  • If you do not have your Green Card; or
  • If your Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, or Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, is still pending adjudication and your Green Card and extension notice have expired.

The second instance is very common, as USCIS’ processing for the listed applications and petition is more than the given extension notice. In order to request a temporary ADIT, you have to call the customer service number and submit the request. The immigration service officer will verify your identity, including full name, date of birth, and alien number. As well as your physical address and whether you are able to receive UPS or FedEx Express mail at that address. After gathering this information, the officer will submit the request. A USCIS officer will review the information provided and depending on the circumstances, he/she will either schedule an in-person appointment or mail a Form I-94 with an ADIT stamp, DHS seal, and a printed photo of you the LPR obtained from USCIS systems. The Form I-94 with ADIT stamp may be used to confirm your status for employment and travel abroad. The Form’s validity is determined by USCIS and usually won’t exceed one year.

USCIS has the sole discretion as to whether to schedule an in-person appointment or a Form I-94 with an ADIT stamp. According to USCIS, an in-person appointment will be used for LPRs who have urgent needs, do not have a useable photo in USCIS systems, or whose address or identity cannot be confirmed.

The new system of mailing evidence of permanent residence status clears the confusion of these applicants who have green card renewal, conditions of residence removal application, and naturalization application pending with expired receipt notice. It also speeds up obtaining evidence of an LPRs status without waiting for an appointment at the field office to become available, which usually can take some time.

ILBSG continues to monitor ongoing policy and practice updates for all your immigration needs. If you have questions regarding your Family-Based immigration petition, your green card status evidence, or any other immigration-related issue, please reach out to an ILBSG attorney today. We are here to help.

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